The Air Jordan 4 "White Cement" Returns to Anchor This Week's Best Footwear Drops

After a month of playoff action, the stage is set for the Conference Finals in both the NBA and NHL. The much-anticipated matchups kick off tonight, but that's not the only thing to look forward to this week. Nike, Crocs, Converse, adidas, Jordan Brand, Dr. Martens, and New Balance all have exciting sneaker releases to scope out as well. Per usual, we'll first look back at last week's top headlines, starting with the latest developments from the Swoosh.

One of the year's biggest releases to come is Tom Sachs' NikeCraft Mars Yard 3.0, which has again surfaced ahead of its September launch. We also took a look at Caitlin Clark's Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Rookie of the Year” PE that she wore during her dominant WNBA season opener. Looks at a second WORKSOUT x Nike Air Max 95 and this year's Scarr's Pizza x Nike Air Force 1 Low were shared as well. Another headline, instead from the Jumpman team, was a preview of a new Air Jordan 5 "Tokyo23."

New Balance had another big week for itself as Aimé Leon Dore dropped its three MT10Ts and Ronnie Fieg teased a New York Knicks-themed Kith x New Balance 993 collaboration. A preview of two 992 sneakers from the MADE in USA line hit the net too. Rounding things out for the American sportswear brand, its original "Protection Pack" of 2002Rs is on the way back to the market.

Elsewhere in the industry, JJJJound gave us a better look at what to expect from its upcoming GEL-KAYANO 14 collaboration. Meanwhile, G-SHOCK surprised the sneaker space with its own watch-equipped take on the Crocs Echo Wave. As for adidas, another look at the adidas Anthony Edwards 2 popped up alongside a new Wales Bonner project featuring the Superstar Hi.

Now that you're caught up with the latest happenings in the footwear industry, let's look at which 10 drops you should have on your radar this week, starting with another "What The" re-release from Nike Basketball. Afterwards, head over to HBX to take a look at what footwear styles are available now.

Nike Kobe 9 Elite Protro “What The”

Release Date: May 21
Release Price: $240 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Nike Basketball is back with another classic from the Kobe line as it has laced up the Kobe 9 Elite Protro in its "What The" colorway from 2015. Ten years later, all of its key details remain in place as a barrage of colors cover the white sneaker, combining many of the silhouette's past colorways to create something unique. One addition to the shoe is Nike React foam at the midsole, improving its on-court performance by offering better responsiveness.

Salehe Bembury x Crocs Pollex Juniper "Apricot"

Release Date: May 22
Release Price: $140 USD
Where to Buy: BeASpunge
Why You Should Cop: Salehe Bembury remains one of the sneaker scene's most potent forces, leading the Crocs Pollex line, revitalizing PUMA Hoops, and doing seasonal collaborations with brands like New Balance and Moncler. In continuation of his Crocs partnership, he's back with his fifth take on the Pollex Juniper sneaker, offering yet another vibrant colorway, "Apricot." The pair combines orange with lavender, bright blue, red, and yellow to create a one-of-a-kind look.

Naruto Shippuden x Converse Chuck Taylor All Star & Weapon

Release Date: May 22
Release Price: $80 USD to $130 USD
Where to Buy: Converse
Why You Should Cop: Two legacies collide as Naruto Shippuden meets Converse in this week's lineup of launches. The duo's first collaboration features five character-themed sneakers, including four Chuck Taylor All Stars and a Weapon sneaker too. The former pays homage to Naruto, Sasuke, Kakashi, and Gaara with special graphics for each. From there, Itachi's Weapon colorway carries a special jacquard underlay tying it to its theme. To top it all off, pairs can be personalized via the Converse By You platform.

AVAVAV x adidas Moonrubber & Superstar

Release Date: May 22
Release Price: $280 USD to $350 USD
Where to Buy: adidas
Why You Should Cop: AVAVAV is back with another mind-bending take on adidas footwear. The Italian label has put together two Moonrubber Megaride runners, as well as two wavy Superstars. The Moonrubber Megaride shoes are sculpted with a special tooling that makes it look as if you're stepping into a bubble. As for the latter, the Superstar has been warped with a widened toe and heel.

Swarovski x Air Jordan 1 Low OG

Release Date: May 22
Release Price: $1,000 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: The Air Jordan 1 Low OG has never shined brighter than with this new crystal-covered iteration made in partnership with Swarovski. Based on the color blocking of the OG "Shadow" colorway, a “caviar fabric” texture features the glistening crystals with bespoke hardware and packaging present as well.

Lil Yachty x Nike Air Force 1 Low "Lucky Green"

Release Date: May 22
Release Price: $130 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Lil Yachty is back with his second sneaker with the Swoosh, once again reworking the Air Force 1 Low. His "Lucky Green" version of the shoe sees it don a retro-inspired patent leather with a high-contrast composition as green is joined by yellow and red. Concrete Boys branding hits the lateral heel and heel tab while the group's "It's Us" motto appears at the tongue, sockliner, and hangtag.

Supreme x Dr. Martens Studded Penton Loafer

Release Date: May 22 (North America and Europe) and May 24 (Asia)
Release Price: TBC
Where to Buy: Supreme
Why You Should Cop: Supreme is back with its seasonal collaboration with Dr. Martens, this time putting their own spin on the Penton Loafer. A smooth leather upper appears in forest green, red, and black, with all three featuring studs throughout. A tonal stitched tag features the Supreme wordmark in white at the lateral heel while co-branding hits the sockliner. Each pair also is backed by an AirWair-cushioned sole unit, implemented specifically for Supreme.

Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance RC56

Release Date: May 23
Release Price: $160 USD
Where to Buy: Aimé Leon Dore
Why You Should Cop: Aimé Leon Dore has established a close relationship with New Balance, especially considering how its founder Teddy Santis leads the New Balance MADE in USA line. ALD is again evolving its partnership with the brand by being the first collaborator to introduce their own co-designed sneaker: the RC56. The cross-country runner-inspired shoe appears in co-branded colorways of “Neon/Grey,” “Pristine,” and “Navy,” with all three nodding to the duo at the tongue, heel, and sockliner.

Air Jordan 4 “White Cement”

Release Date: May 24
Release Price: $225 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Last year was chock-full of Air Jordan 4 releases in celebration of its 35th anniversary. However, one that caught the eye of sneakerheads was the return of the OG "White Cement" colorway, which is finally here. Unlike many of the "Reimagined" looks to drop recently, this pair stays true to the original with a white leather upper accompanied by black and gray cement detailing, including a Nike Air hit at the heel.

New Balance 1000 "Bāṅdhnū"

Release Date: May 24
Release Price: ¥26,400 JPY (approx. $178 USD)
Where to Buy: atmos
Why You Should Cop: Rounding out this week's lineup is a new exclusive drop from Japanese sneaker retailer atmos. This time around, the two have prepared a special drop for the 1000 sneaker. This "Bāṅdhnū" colorway arrives as part of New Balance's "Grey Days" celebration, offering an original paisley pattern in white atop a black backdrop.

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